2013 Sixth Annual International Conference on Positive Aging

Life Re-Imagined: New Approaches to Positive AgingFebruary 10-12, 2013 Hosted by Fielding Graduate University atThe Center for Healthy Communities at The California Endowment, Los Angeles

There are a few hotel rooms still available at
the Fielding rate. If you are interested, please email Debbie Lemke at djlemke@fielding.edu to get the Fielding
rate of $169.

Social Work and Nursing CEUs will be Available for ConferenceRegistrants

“This conference will grapple with the questions of wellness, community, life transitions and creativity as we age. From these foundations, we will explore how positive aging is a combination of health, well-being, self-actualization and living in a system of support.” Katrina Rogers, Senior Vice President, Provost, Fielding Graduate University.

The Sixth Annual International Positive Aging Conference is a highly interactive gathering of diverse leaders who are shaping a dynamic future for older adults throughout the world.

The conference will be hosted by the Institute for Social Innovation at Fielding Graduate University. It will commence with keynote speaker Wendy Lustbader, MSW, and a reception on Sunday, February 10, 2013, at the beautiful Omni Los Angeles at California Plaza, in downtown Los Angeles. Dr. Brian de Vries, from San Francisco State, and Ram Dass will also be presenting (Via Skype) as plenary speakers. Workshop sessions will be offered in creativity, wellness, community, and life transitions, with a special focus on vulnerable seniors and international perspectives on positive aging. This conference also offers "Active Arts" throughout the duration of the conference. Designed to facilitate dialogue about creative expression and aging, examples of Active Arts offerings includes music, dance, art, and poetry.

Wendy Lustbader, MSW, will give the keynote address and will speak about “The Unexpected Pleasures of Growing Older" - the title of her latest book. She has also written and spoken about kindness and how to nurture a basic positive attitude towards whatever life brings as we get older.

Since 1968, Ram Dass has pursued a panoramic array of spiritual methods and practices from potent ancient wisdom traditions, including bhakti or devotional yoga focused on the Hindu deity Hanuman; Buddhist meditation in the Theravadin, Mahayana Tibetan and Zen Buddhist schools, and Sufi and Jewish mystical studies. His unique skill in getting people to cut through and feel divine love without dogma is still a positive influence.

James Birren, widely considered one of the “reigning pioneers of gerontology," will receive Fielding’s Creative Longevity and Wisdom Award in recognition of his six decades of seminal contributions including the influential work on Guided Autobiography.

Dr. Brian de Vries, a professor at San Francisco State University, has done extensive works on the aging experiences (including bereavement) among gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender adults. He will be talking about the role of resilience in these elders and what characteristics they bring to facing the challenges of growing older, from the perspective of growing up in an era of discrimination and harassment.

The conference will also be offering CEU's for nursing, MFT's, & MSW's

You can find us on Facebook at The Fielding Positive Aging Conference for the latest updated information on the conference, videos of speakers from previous conferences, and access to a network of individuals who are interested and involved in the topic of Positive Aging!!